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U.S. government officials have suspected Russia of spreading fake news about the coronavirus, thus undermining international efforts to combat the epidemic, AFP reported.

The information comes after thousands of profiles on social networks, mostly from Russian people, spread information in support of the conspiracy theory that the United States is behind the coronavirus epidemic.

In this way, Russia is destroying the image of the United States, taking advantage of international health problems, U.S. officials say.

According to an investigation by U.S. authorities, thousands of fake Russian profiles on social networks are increasingly commenting that the CIA is behind the epidemic that has claimed the lives of over 2,400 people, mostly in China.

“Russia’s intent is to sow discord and undermine U.S. institutions and alliances from within, including through covert and coercive malign influence campaigns,” Philip Reeker, the acting Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia said Saturday.

“By spreading disinformation about coronavirus, Russian malign actors are once again choosing to threaten public safety by distracting from the global health response,” he said.

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